Meet Our GOLD Leader Mentors

GOLD Leader Mentors are student leaders who volunteer their time to work with the GOLD program.
Mentors staff the GOLD Leadership Center in MacVittie College Union Room 114 weekday afternoons &
evenings, participate in GOLD events and complete certificate programs, serve as role models for other
student leaders and campus organizations, provide information on campus activities and organizations,
and help students to make connections and get involved in campus life.

The mentor staff introduce speakers at workshops, oversee student Personal Development Sessions
and provide support and assistance for all GOLD programs, including Leadership Certificate Programs.
Student leaders and students enrolled in the GOLD Leadership Certificate Program are encouraged to apply for the leader mentor positions in the spring semester.
Become a GOLD Leader Mentor.

MEET OUR 2013-2014 GOLD LEADER MENTORS!

ALEXIS ANNITTO

is a senior Math major with a Business Studies minor from Smithtown, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, she is the Student Externship Coordinatorl, a member of National Residence Hall Honorary, and actively involved with New Student Programs. GOLD is a unique program that fits everyone's needs in some way or form and allows students to take part in the workshops at your own pace. Her best advice is to try different workshops because you never know what you might get out of it.

Fun fact about Alexis: Out of the 52 weeks of the year I have been in Geneseo for 45 of them.
Favorite Leadership Quote: " A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." (John C. Maxwell)

MELISSA CATALDO

is a sophomore from Eden, NY, studying Childhood/Special Education with a concentration in Mathematics within the Ella Cline Shear School of Education here at Geneseo. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is the President of the Elementary and Secondary Education Association, co-captain of the Geneseo Cheerleading Team, and serves as a campus tour guide for incoming students and their families. Melissa loves the GOLD program because it gives each student different opportunities to realize and reach their leadership potential through the attendance of workshops and achievement of certificates.

Fun fact about Melissa: Underwent knee surgery to repair her ACL during her senior year in high school, and still has not regained feeling in part of her leg.
Favorite Leadership Quote: " A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" (Lao Tzu)

KIAYA ROSE DILSNER-LOPEZ

is a sophomore English literature and art history double major from Oceanside, NY. Apart from being a GOLD mentor, Kiaya Rose is a resident assistant at Erie Hall and a part of the Edgar Fellows Program. She is a strong advocate for multiculturalism and collaborative leadership, which is seen through her participation in the Latino Culture Club, Pride Alliance, and the Geneseo Interfaith Service Project. This is her first year being a GOLD mentor, and she is excited to learn about leadership development and to support others on their leadership journeys.

Fun fact about Kiaya Rose: She enjoys swimming with dolphins.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant." (Max DePree)

ERIN FITZGERALD

is a senior Math major from Calverton, New York. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is a part of College Against Cancer, Vice President of Sigma Kappa, tutor for the Trio-Upward Bound and Orchesis. Her favorite part of the GOLD program is the ability to learn real life skills and to learn about different opportunities. The GOLD program is a perfect opportunity to try different things and to get more experience in many different areas.

Fun fact about Erin: She has six brothers.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you`ll be able to see further." (J.P. Morgan)

SHIKHA GAUTAM

is a senior Biochemistry major from India, who grew up in Japan and lives in Sweden. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Shikha is a Resident Assistant and International Student Mentor in Dante House, does research in the Chemistry Department and is a member of National Residence Hall Honorary, Shakti, and Japanese Culture Club. She believes that the GOLD program is a unique opportunity for every student, whether they are leaders or not, to build their skills and confidence to become a better leader. The variety of workshops allow you to develop all parts of your character and will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Fun fact about Shikha: She knows four languages: English, Hindi, Swedish, and French.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Whatever you are, be a good one." (Abraham Lincoln)

BRANDON GAYLORD

is a sophomore History and Philosophy double major from Phoenix, AZ. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, Brandon is an entrepreneur, a GOLD presenter and brings an extensive resume to Geneseo. Brandon's favorite aspect of the GOLD program is not only the vast amount of knowledge one can learn but also the different kinds of knowledge presented. Having had gainful employment consistently over the last ten years, Brandon brings real-world experience that he is happy to share on things such as: how to land a job, resume-building and how to get promoted.

Fun fact about Brandon: Brandon worked on a cruise ship for a little over a year, travelling around Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever, in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else, where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent. If I could not go to Heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all." (Thomas Jefferson)

COLE GLEASON

is a junior Biology major with a Legal Studies minor from Chatham, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, he is an attendant on Geneseo First Response, a member of the Men Incorporating Leadership, Empowerment, and Service (MILES) organization, vice-president of Genesee Hall Council, and a member of the Geneseo Club Baseball team. Cole's parents are his most admired leaders as they instilled in him good morals and a strong work ethic. In his opinion, the GOLD program is valuable because of the important professional and life skills that are provided in each workshop.

A fun fact about Cole: He is an avid fly fisherman. Favorite Leadership Quote: "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd." (Max Lucado)

ABIGAIL GOLFO

is a junior communication (journalism & media track) and sociology double major from Ardsley, New York. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is the Co-Special Events coordinator of GSTV, the secretary of Peace Action Geneseo, a Community Service Assistant in the Volunteer Center, an intern at the Office of Athletic Communications and Media Relations, and a member of the Geneseo Late Knight event staff. She believes that the GOLD program offers every student the opportunity to hone real life skills outside of the classroom. It is a space to learn, grow and develop as a leader within a community, but also for one's self.

Fun Fact about Abby: Abby and her friend spent 140 hours over the course of three weeks to make a dress out of duct tape during her senior year of high school. She wore it to prom.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

JORDAN GRIFFEN

is a sophomore Chemistry major with an Economics minor from Glens Falls, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, he is a member of the Edgar Fellows Program, an entrepreneur, and an active member of the Ballroom Dance and Mock Trial teams. In his free time, you may find Jordan in the weight room, reading a good book in his dorm, or relaxing around campus. Jordan loves the opportunities for personal development provided by the GOLD workshops and would advise people interested in the program to take workshops both in and out of their comfort zones.

Fun Fact about Jordan: The local newspaper states that Jordan scored 13 points for his high school in a Varsity basketball game last winter...even though he was sitting in his dorm at Geneseo when it happened.
Favorite Leadership quote: "Successful people are 100% convinced that they are masters of their own destiny; they're not creatures of circumstance, they create circumstance."(Jordan Belfort)

CATHERINE GRIFFIN

is a junior chemistry major from Mount Kisco, New York. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is an active member in festival chorus, Colleges Against Cancer, and Circle K. She is also a lab instructor for introductory chemistry lab. Catherine loves the GOLD program because it has such a wide variety of workshops everyone can find something their interested in doing.

Fun fact about Catherine: I have a brother who is 19 years older than me.
Favorite Leadership Quote: " The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it." (Teddy Roosevelt)

AMELIA HEISELMAN

is a junior Sociology major from Central Square, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, Amelia is a member of UAA and a sister of Phi Kappa Pi sorority. Amelia believes the GOLD program can benefit each and everyone who takes advantage of the great opportunity because anyone can relate to the various topics in the hundred of workshops there are to offer.

Fun fact about Amelia: She loves cats.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Normal never made history, never be afraid to go against the curve." (Anonymous)

OLIVIA HOLODNIK

is a sophomore biology major with a psychology minor from Pittsford, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, the medical fraternity on campus, is a co-service chair of Circle K, and is currently training in Professor Bosch's lab. Olivia believes that the GOLD program allows for students to expand on their leadership skills and become more involved in the community. The diverse and many workshops offered allow students to find the ones that interest them and also find ones that allow students to learn more about themselves, being a leader, and prepare for the working world. Olivia's advice to those interested in the gold program is to attend workshops that speak to their interests and use the GOLD program's many opportunities to get involved in the community.

Fun fact about Olivia: She has been waterskiing since she was 4 years old.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, and do more and become more, you are a leader." (John Quincy Adams)

DAN MARTIN

is a junior Economics and International Relations double major hailing from Marcellus, New York. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Dan is a Resient Assistant in Livingson Hall, the Vice President of Colleges Against Cancer, serves on the Livigingston Cares Baord of Directors and is a brother of the national fraternity Alpha Chi Rho. The leader Dan most admires is his father because he has never led Dan down the wrong path and has always had Dan's best interest at heart. Dan believes that the GOLD program is successfully teaching young student leaders how to successfully grow as leaders and individuals. Dan knows that any students involved in GOLD will use what they learn to better themselves during their time at Geneseo as well as after graduation.

Fun fact about Dan: He has won multiple Ping Pong tournaments.Favorite Leadership Quote: "A star wants to see himself rise to the top. A leader wants to see those around him rise to the top" (Simon Sinek)

NANCY MARTINEZ

is a sophomore, Mathematics major with Adolescent Education Certification. She is a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Pre-Calculus. She is also part of the women leadership Institute. She thinks the GOLD program is a great way to gain and develop many life and professional skills. Everyone should experience at least one workshop because they are very rewarding!

Fun Fact about Nancy: She is bilingual and was born in Ecuador.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Leadership is an action, not position." (Donald H. McGannon)

RACHEL MOORE

is a junior Biology major with a Business Studies minor on the Pre-Dental track from Schaghticoke, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, she is the Secretary of Pre-Dental Club and a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Her favorite aspect of the GOLD program is that it teaches you important leadership skills that can be applied to many parts of everyday life.

Fun fact about Rachel: She LOVES coffee ice cream.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.; (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

DOMINIC MORELL

is a junior chemistry major with minors in business studies and mathematics. In addition to being a GOLD leader mentor, Dominic is a tour guide, club baseball player, student representative of the chemistry/biochemistry club, and organic chemistry researcher. The person that he admires most is his father. Dominic believes the GOLD program offers an incredible amount of information about leadership, but also teaches others about the importance of volunteering and serving your community.

Fun fact about Dominic: He loves to play soccer.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality " (Warren Bennis)

PAIGE O'CONNOR

is a Junior Business Administration major from West Babylon, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is on the varsity volleyball team, president of HEROS mentoring program, member of the Society for Opportunities in Business, member of the Lamron business team, team captain for Relay for Life, and the special event coordinator for Activities Commission. The leader she admires most is my father because he was a high school principal for many years and he has shown me what it takes to be a true leader. She believes that GOLD teaches students useful life tools and inspires people to become better leaders at Geneseo and throughout their lives.

Fun fact about Paige: She recently studied abroad in Haiti.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

DAN PALMATEER

is a senior Math and Economics major from Saratoga Springs, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Dan is the building manager for the Saratoga Terrace townhouses, the tutor and TA in the Economics department and a member of Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity. Dan believes the most important feature about the GOLD program is the ability to tailor it to your own research or project interests, specifically through the Diamond Certificate in Civic Engagement. Dan's advice for the program is to try some new things outside what you already know, since GOLD is really all about being introduced to new ideas.

Fun fact about Dan: He has never been on a plane.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "You are never stagnant, you are always either growing and maturing or falling behind." (Nick Selby)

MURPHY SMYTH

is a junior Accounting major with a Psychology minor from Rochester, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is a sister of Phi Lambda Chi and is a member of the sorority's executive board as Treasurer and New Member Educator. Murphy also serves on the executive board of the Inter-Greek Council as Recruitment Coordinator, and she is a Greek Peer Educator and a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Murphy looks to her mother as a role model for leadership because she is passionate about her work and inspires those she leads with her enthusiasm, hard work, and selflessness.

Fun fact about Murphy: Her favorite holiday is Christmas.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

JOSEPH (BLADE) SORRENTINO

is a Junior Biochemistry major from West Seneca, New York. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, he tutors with the biology department and volunteers at the Theresa House. He is also a brother of Phi Sigma Xi and enjoys playing pickup soccer and other sports around campus. Blade finds that the GOLD program provides students with new perspectives, pushing them to grow both personally and professionally.

Fun fact about Blade: He is a huge Buffalo Bills fan...playoff bound!
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Gentleman, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence." (Vince Lombardi)

ALYSSA STEFANESE

is a junior English Literature major with a women's studies minor from Staten Island, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Alyssa is a dedicated tour guide, a group session ambassador, and the Public Relations Manager of the Lamron. She is also a member of English club and the Livingston Cares Board of Directors. This summer Alyssa interned at BELLA NYC Magazine and studied abroad in Ireland. One of her most admired leaders is Susan B. Anthony, for fighting for what she believed in not just for herself, but for all future generations of women. Alyssa loves the GOLD program because it gives anyone in the Geneseo community the opportunity to learn to be a leader. Her advice is to take as many workshops as you can.

A fun fact about Alyssa: She has seen over fifteen Broadway shows.Favorite Leadership Quote: "Be the change you wish to see in this world" (Gandhi)

CAROLINE STOCKERT

is a senior biology major with a minor in math from Albany, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, she is a member of Biology Club, Orchesis Dance Club, Community Health Alliance, and the Newman Group. She is also a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society. Caroline believes the GOLD program is a great way for students to get involved on campus, develop their leadership skills, and prepare for their future careers. She enjoys the small class sizes because they allow students to engage in discussions and receive personalized leadership advice.

Fun Fact about Caroline: She loves to see musicals and shows.Favorite Leadership Quote: “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” (Ronald Reagan)

MEAGHAN TREVVETT

is a junior undergraduate Childhood and Special Education major with a concentration in Dance and a minor in Psychology from Canandaigua, NY. In addition, she participates in a number of programs on campus including the GOLD program, Young Children's Council, Geneseo Dance Ensemble, and Orchesis. She takes part in a Math Tutoring Program where she tutors elementary students. She is currently the Co-President of the Young Children's Council E-Board. This is a rewarding position where she is able to coordinate the Ronald McDonald House event and fulfill other e-board member duties. So far, she has completed the Bronze, Sapphire, and Silver certificates of the GOLD program.

Fun fact about Meaghan: She watched all ten seasons of friends in one semester.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." (Jack Welch)